Nell Nolan's Social Scene: A fete. a fiesta and two debutantes

Today is Valentine's Day, but prior to this celebration a pair of debutantes and their parents sent thematic "love notes" to countries afar for their fun. Paris and its famed Moulin Rouge was the site for the night for the "grande fete" honoring Caroline-Kerstine Ellen Mann, who goes by Kara and is the younger daughter of Dr. and Mrs. W. Kenneth Mann Jr. "Come Fiesta!" was the beckoning on the invitation that featured in decorative miniature 14 colorful Spanish tiles and the name of Katie Steinhardt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Stewart Steinhardt. More formally, she answers to Katherine Charbonnet Steinhardt. The respective venues were The Eiffel Society and Rio Mar Restaurant.

Outside the Manns' merriment, "Eiffel" was brightly lighted, skylights beamed all about, and a red carpet topped the ramp leading to the party location. After being entertained at the entrance by French bistro music and a mime, guests went through the receiving line and sought out the gala's hosts, who were called "patrons" on the invitation and program. In addition to Dr. and Mrs. Mann, they were Capt. and Mrs. Matthew Bartomeo (she's Kara's sister, Katie), Mr. and Mrs. George Alfred Coiron III, Mr. and Mrs. James B. Bassich, Mr. and Mrs. William E. Beatty Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Mark Andrew Bickham, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Felix Childress II, retired U.S. Navy Capt. and Mrs. Thomas Cruser, Dr. and Mrs. David Carl DeGenova, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Coulter Filson, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Eugene Lamothe III, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Ozenberger III, Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Albert Schulz II, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Anthony Schulz, and Mr. and Mrs. A. Wendel Stout III.

Milling, too, were Drew Dodenhoff with daughter Lilian Claire, sisters Denise Schimek and LouLou Tidmore with husbands Dr. Bob and Borden (also called David), Marvin and Susie Russell, Linda and Ted Kennedy (whose young daughter, Stirling, just danced in the Opera's "The Pearl Fishers") and his mom Rosemary Kennedy, Dr. William and Cindy Woessner, Cinci and Edwin Geoghegan, the Thomas Farmers, the Alan Duponts with daughter Stacey, Peter and Debi Dupuy, and the Benton Vickerys. Many more, as well, who dressed in Moulin Rouge modes, sporting white tie, black tie, red tailcoats, or lavish costumes with feathers, boas, veils and top hats.

Kara, who wanted a French-themed party in tribute to both la Nouvelle Orleans and the "Moulin Rouge" movie, wore an original gown fashioned by Ilane Hartman of cream-colored silk organza with accents of gold lace, brilliants and gold beading. It was based on one that was designed for the movie's star, Nicole Kidman (although she wore a different version in the film). Her mother, Dr. Naomi Mann, also turned out in a Hartman creation. It was of silvery silk and cut along princess lines with a full portrait collar. Her husband, Dr. Ken Mann, was in white tie, a top hat and a cape. Colors of red and gold enriched the ambiance that featured a large, lighted red windmill (as "moulin rouge" is translated) on the stage where the Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra provided music for both general dancing and the cancan floor show by Jaune Buisson and the New Orleans Metropolitan Dance Theater. Impresario Casey Candebat and Katie Bartomeo sang "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" while Kara and her dad danced to the tune. To further that sparkle, Kara was rolled around the room on a gold cart handing out "diamond" bracelets to guests.

More highlights concerned the jewel-toned drapery for the tables, re-created Toulouse Lautrec prints, chic black sitting areas, a Green Faerie bar (serving absinthe) and a circulating-about Green Faerie, purveyance by Pigeon Catering, Kara's singing of "Lady Marmalade, " a strolling violinist, dancing male waiters serving bubbly, an area available for photos, and a huge confection by Fancy Cakes depicting the Moulin Rouge. All contributed to a passel of pretty memories that Kara will entertain for a lifetime.

At deb Katie's Rio Mar-caper, which was (as the invitation stated) "given by the Steinhardt family, " blue satin ribbon served as runners on the tables and food bars. They were sprinkled with crushed sea shells topped by Spanish tile-inspired lanterns designed by Abby Wetsman. The blue echoed the deb's dress, sapphire in color, and made of silk charmeuse with a crystal button effect and pleating at the bottom. Leslie Walters was the couturiere. Anne Klein was the designer for mom Edie's navy sweater, which had ruffles and beading, and was paired with a black skirt.

Reveling as family and friends were Gene and Eileen Gambel, Peter Gambel, Mark Peneguy, George and Ysonde De la Vergne Ward with daughter Skye, Paul and Janis De-

The restaurant, which is owned by Nick Bazan and chef Adolfo Garcia, served up such savory fare as ceviche, tapas, fried oysters, empanadas, grilled Cuban paninis, paella and much more, all finding an icy complement in the Plum Street Snowballs, which were a huge hit, especially the "ice coffee." Honoree Katie had worked at the local stand for a number of years.

Adding the heat to the hobnobbing was Bobby J and Stuff Like That and leader Bobby Jordan. He amassed a slew of party guests for a new line dance, telling them "It's easy." Soon the place was pulsating with Katie at the fore.

Later, in her appreciation to her parents, Katie summed up the night saying, "It was exactly what I'd hoped for, a laid-back good time."

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Nell Nolan can be reached at nnolan@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3455.